| Best Marathons in the World – Marathons have become a destination sport. It is a chance to travel to some of the most beautiful parts of the world. A gathering of like minded people that want to get the most out of life. Marathon training is no secret. You have to rack up some serious running mileage (100 miles plus per week) just to stay in the top ten percent category. Add high mileage to a good diet of lean proteins, vegetables and fruits and now you have a winning combo. Start training at a slow pace for a few months to build muscle then gradually increase your speed. Below is a list of the top 50+ marathons worldwide. |
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| Note – Most marathon organizers have stabilized their schedules. Listings below are the result of an audit May 2023. Please check the listed websites for the most up to date information. Thank you for using the Funwarrior action sports portal. |
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| Amsterdam Marathon – October – Enjoy the world capital Amsterdam and run along the most attractive passages of the capital. Read More |
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| Antarctic Ice Marathon – December – Adventure marathoners and ultra athletes are always looking for the next big challenge. It could be a remote desert marathon, a high altitude mountain marathon or a jungle marathon. However, mainland Antarctica represents the last frontier, the final great wilderness to be conquered. Read More |
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| Athens Classic Marathon | Greece – November – Among all the Olympic sport events, the Marathon Race stands out as it was born by a true historic and heroic event. It was a true triumph accomplished by a news-bearing foot soldier from ancient Athens, who announced – with his last words – the victory of the Greeks against the Persians during the Marathon Battle in 490 BC. Read More |
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| Atlanta Marathon – February – Georgia – Celebrate the best of Atlanta. Read More |
| Australian Outback Marathon – July – It’s not every day marathoners get to take in the stunning views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) as the kilometres tick by. Read More |
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| Barcelona Marathon | Spain – March – This is the Zurich Marato Barcelona, one of the most attractive courses in Europe for its flat and fast circuit. Not to mention the agreeable weather, that is one of Barcelona’s marks, and the amazing landmarks the runners will pass by during the race, like Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo. Read More |
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| Baxters Loch Ness Marathon – October – United kingdom – Possibly one of the most stunning marathons in the world. Read More |
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| Berlin Marathon | Germany – September – Berlin is a city of runners and there are numerous highlights for sports fans in the German capital: every year, the Berlin Marathon attracts around 40,000 runners, handbikers, and inline skaters from 120 countries, including numerous professional runners from Germany and abroad, for a race through Berlin, who are cheered on by enthusiastic fans. Berlin is also one of the fastest marathons besides Chicago and London. Read More |
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| Beijing Marathon – October – Beijing Marathon is sanctioned by the General Administration of Sport of China and Beijing Municipal Government. Marathon and half marathon starting point: Beijing Tian’anmen Square. Read More |
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| Big Five Marathon – June – The Big Five Marathon is an exclusive event that combines a challenging marathon experience with a classic African safari vacation. Read More |
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| Big Sur International Marathon – April – The Big Sur International Marathon, a spectacular road race set along one of the most breath-taking courses in the world. Runner’s World magazine named Big Sur as one of the country’s top three marathons behind Boston and New York. It was also designated as the “best destination marathon” and most scenic marathon. Read More |
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| Boston Marathon – April – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has organized the Boston Marathon since the event’s inception in 1897.The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s most prestigious road racing events. Read More |
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| Buckeye Marathon – January – Arizona – Known for its downhill and fast course. Read More |
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| Buffalo Marathon – May – The Buffalo Marathon showcases the beauty of Western New York’s waterfront. It highlights some of our friendliest neighborhoods, finest architecture and famous Olmsted parks. If you are attempting a personal best, or qualifying for the Boston Marathon, come run Buffalo, it is Insanely Great. Read More |
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| Cape Cod Marathon | Massachusetts – October – The one-loop course begins and ends at the Village Green in Falmouth center. The first part is easy, the latter is a test. The people who do well on this course follow the following formula: go out easy, take plenty of fluids, and save energy for the hills. Read More |
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| Cayman Islands Marathon – December – Surrounded by tropical flora and fauna, charming homes flawlessly landscaped and magnificent views of the sea. Read More |
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| Chicago Marathon – October – Running the Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. On race day, runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries will set out to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the finish line in Grant Park. Read More |
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| Dublin Marathon – October – The Irish climate is influenced by the prevailing light South Westerly winds of the Gulf Stream. The average temperatures for October are around 12 – 14°C (53 – 57°F). Read More |
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| Egyptian Marathon – January – Starting under the historic temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Egyptian Marathon has been held regularly over the past 27 years proving to be the oldest ongoing marathon in Africa and the Middle East. Read More |
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| Eugene Marathon – April – Oregon – The Eugene Marathon is the Pacific Northwest’s largest marathon. Read More |
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| Flying Pig Marathon – May – Cincinnati, OH – It’s the largest weekend party in town. Read More |
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| Glass City Marathon (Run Toledo) – April – The City of Toledo’s nickname is the Glass City. Toledo took on this nickname long ago because of its storied history and influential role in the American glass industry. Read More |
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| Grandma’s Marathon – June – Duluth, Minnesota – Widely regarded as a world class event with small town charm. Read More |
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| Great Wall Marathon China – May – The Great Wall Marathon is widely considered one of the world’s most challenging marathons. Despite the arduous course on the iconic Great Wall of China, runners will be rewarded by the breathtaking surroundings and views. As the route leads participants through the lower valley and into the villages, onlookers will be cheering and the festive atmosphere is a real energy boost! Read More |
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| Great Ocean Road Running Festival – May – Australia’s most stunning running event. Read More |
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| Hartford Marathon – October – HMF mission is to encourage individuals and families to adopt and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Read More |
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| Honolulu Marathon – December – The Honolulu Marathon is the fourth largest marathon in the USA. Runners from all over the world have been coming to Honolulu to run since 1973. Read More |
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| Indianapolis Monumental Marathon – October – Indiana One of the 15 largest marathons in the U.S. Read More |
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| Jungfrau-Marathon | Switzerland – September – The start in Interlaken reveals a clue as to where the journey will end. A glimpse of the Jungfrau, one of the iconic Alpine trio of peaks besides the Mönch and Eiger, sets the course. The Jungfrau-Marathon leads through constantly changing scenery – alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, through traditional mountain villages and past an awe-inspiring mountain backdrop. Read More |
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| Kauai Marathon – September – Hawaii – A world-class race experience that fosters camaraderie, friendship, and charitable giving. Read More |
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| Kilimanjaro Marathon – February – Kili Marathon, to begin with, was simply an idea formed by event organiser Wild Frontiers in 2002, over a cold Kilimanjaro Lager, of a great way to draw tourism in to Tanzania … Read More |
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| Little Rock Marathon – March – Arkansas’ race for every pace. Read More |
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| London Marathon – October – The London Marathon is the largest annual fundraising event on the planet. The race has grown in size, stature and popularity ever since. Now established among the major events in the sporting calendar, the London Marathon is shown on television in nearly 200 countries around the world. Read More |
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| Marine Corp Marathon – October – The MCM is one of the largest marathons in the US and the world and stands as the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money, earning its nickname, “The People’s Marathon.” MCM offers an experience for runners to tour the nation’s most recognizable landmarks while being supported by the men and women of the United States Marine Corps. Read More |
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| Marrakech Marathon – January – The Marrakech Marathon is considered among the world most prestigious marathons. Runners follow a flat course through the city. The route is a single lap that takes participants along the side of the city’s 12th-century ramparts, through the Menara gardens and on dusty roads lined with palm trees. Read More |
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| Midnight Sun Marathon | Norway – June – Every year thousands of people take the trip to the “Paris of North” to run either the Polar Night Half marathon, the Midnight Sun Marathon or the Tromso Mountain Challenge. For many, this is the first meeting with the Arctic and Northern Norway. Read More |
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| Missoula Marathon – Montana – June – The Missoula Marathon course is flat, fast, USATF certified, and a Boston Qualifier! Read More |
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| New York City Marathon – November – The first New York City Marathon took place in 1970 and was held entirely in Central Park. There were just 127 entrants and only 55 of them finished. Fast forward – Now over 50,000 participants crossing the finish line. It’s amazing to see how much we’ve grown, and how important running is to so many. Read More |
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| Niagara Falls International Marathon – October – Join us for an extraordinary Niagara running experience! Run to the brink of the falls !! Read More |
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| Ottawa Marathon – May – The Ottawa Marathon is Canada’s largest and fastest marathon. One of two World Athletics Gold Label marathon events in Canada, the race attracts thousands of participants, including a world-class contingent of pro-athletes every year. Read More |
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| Paris Marathon – April – Marathon de Paris is now one of the biggest marathons in the world, as much for the size of its field as the performances of its runners. Race across Paris, taking in the Champs Elysées, the Bois de Vincennes and Boulogne, offers an incomparable backdrop, with spectacular views and landmarks all along the route. Read More |
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| Patagonian International Marathon – September – Chile – Since its origin, the event has brought together runners from more than 65 countries, converging together in the extreme south of Patagonia to fulfill the dream of running in one of the most pristine locations on the planet. Read More |
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| Pembrokeshire – April – Britain’s only coastal National Park, Pembrokeshire is justifiably famous for its rugged cliffs, quiet coves, expansive sandy bays, picturesque coastal village and its abundance of marine life. Read More |
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| The Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon – September – The Pikes Peak Marathon, founded in 1956, is the oldest continually held marathon in the United States, taking runners from Manitou Springs, Colorado, to the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet, and back down for a total of 26.2 grueling mountain miles. Read More |
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| Rio Marathon – June – Brazil – The Rio Marathon is more than just a race. It’s entertainment. Live your Marathon. Read More |
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| Reykjavik Marathon – August – The atmosphere surrounding a race is also a hugely important factor for most runners, and the atmosphere at the Reykjavík race is electric. Read More |
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| Rome Marathon | Maratona di Roma – March – Run Rome The Marathon is the most fascinating race in the world. You will feel in your heart beat each of the 42.195 km that you will run. Your steps will cross the same roads where the Ancient Romans used to walk more than two thousand years ago. Every view will tell you a story. Every sight will be eternal like Rome is. Read More |
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| Sahara Marathon | Algeria – February – The Sahara Marathon is an international sport event to demonstrate solidarity with the Saharawi people. It’s organized by the Secretary of State for Sport, Government of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic with the help of volunteers from all over the world. Read More |
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| Shamrock Marathon – March – Virginia Beach, Virginia – This St. Paddy’s Day tradition has a race distance for every goal: Marathon, Half Marathon, 8K, and challenges. Read More |
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| Sparkasse Marathon – October – The Sparkasse marathon through the three Lake Constance countries Germany, Austria and Switzerland is legendary and attracts a sports-loving audience from all over the world. Read More |
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| Stockholm Marathon | Sweden – June – Welcome to Stockholm and one of the world’s most beautiful capitals. Built on 14 islands around one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved medieval city centres, the Swedish capital is superbly positioned, with stunning and extremely varied scenery in every direction. With almost 7,500 international runners from more than 90 countries the ASICS Stockholm Marathon is also a multicultural festival. Read More |
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| Tokyo Marathon – March (?) – Tokyo Marathon unites people and makes a great contribution to provide a dream to our society. People who enjoy “running” in a variety of styles gather here at the Tokyo Marathon. Read More |
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| Toronto Waterfront Marathon – October – The Toronto Waterfront Marathon is a registered AIMS Marathon (Association of International Marathons) and is certified by Athletics Canada which makes it a great flat, fast, traffic-free Boston Qualifier. Read More |
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| Uganda Marathon – May – The Uganda Marathon is a 7-day adventure in rural Uganda. Explore an incredible community in East Africa. Read More |
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| Utah Valley Marathon – June – The Utah Valley Marathon is arguably the fastest June Marathon in the country. Of all spring marathons this course offers the most unique and diverse scenery. Both the Utah Valley marathon and half marathon are USATF certified, and the marathon course is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Read More |
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| Vermont City Marathon Vermont – May – The second largest marathon in New England and the largest marathon relay in the nation. The clover leaf course design allows spectators to easily see runners at various mileage points during the race. The electrifying energy brought from the Taiko drummers, Burlington neighborhoods and the Church Street Marketplace provides a community experience unlike any other marathon event. Read More |
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| White Nights Russia – June?? – Official site of the marathon “White Nights”. There was a time when only few people could manage the marathon distance, and it was an exclusive privilege of elite sport. At that point in time, marathoners were looked upon as heroes, the extraordinary people. Read More |
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| Wineglass Marathon – October – Wine tasting, local breweries, shopping or visiting one of our world-famous museums, running with us offers an array of things to do and experience. Seeking to run your first marathon, a PR, or a Boston Qualifier. Read More |
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| Marathon Guide – Guide for Marathons |
| New England Runner – New England Runner |
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| VERY IMPORTANT– We endeavor to be accurate, BUT, typos happen and schedules change. Always check with the event organizer for actual dates and times and for the most up to date information. Please note that those listed do not necessarily endorse this website. Thank You for using the FunWarrior Human Endurance Race Portal. |
